OU Mythology and Folklore - Online Course - Weekly Blog Component

Starting Assumptions for Week 3 || January 28, 2009 at 9:30am

Starting with the required question: Yes, I once took an online World Literature class that used the bible as a text in class. I enjoyed it except that the teacher actually suspected plagiarism on account of my more detailed answers. Let's just say that she had a little bit of difficulty believing that someone at a community college could already have such a wealth of biblical knowledge and experience to draw from, for surely I had the assistance of biblical commentaries and other such things. It was kind of funny, but also annoying in that the emphasis of her class was more upon the bible as literature and less on literature in the bible.

Anyhow, the bible has indeed been an important collection of texts in my life. I have at least some familiarity with most biblical stories, but it has been a while since I spent time exploring specific stories in great detail. Most of my exposure comes from ThePrayerRoom in Kansas City wherein the prophetic psalmists antiphonally sing the scriptures one unto another and over the congregation as the Song of the Lord comes forth. Most people study the bible as if it is an academic textbook that documents history or offers scientific commentary, but in truth it is a collection of ecclesiastical writings written by and for those who are members of the Church and canonized for the liturgical life of the Church. That is not to say that there are not pre-existing or alternative versions of scripture written by others for other purposes, I am simply saying that the canonical texts were written by and for the Church whereas modern-man assumes that the Church originates in Scripture: a subtle but important distinction to make.

At this time, I can read just enough Greek to make myself dangerous. If there is one thing that I have discovered in the last year or two, it is how grievously modern translators interject their own biases when it comes to bible translations. Sometimes it is denominational bias. Other times, it is academic bias. Most times, it is a lack of liturgical and ecclesiastical experience. Almost always, it is a matter of personal bias. Even if the translator manages to overcome his or her own bias, there's still the reality that they must translate in accordance with the audience for whom they are translating. Is this being translated for clergy, laity, children, liturgy, academia, or some other audience? Not to belabor this point for too long, but one only needs to explore about 10 different translations to see how widely divergent the same text can be translated; of course, that is assuming that they are even drawing from the same text to begin with. As it is, I am still acquiring a better understanding of the Greek language and refining my own translation skills; which decidedly is in favor of an overtly literal translation that is appropriate for liturgical purposes. I know a little Hebrew on account of Messianic music and I know some Latin on account of having studied Spanish.

As for this week's biblical stories, I have always enjoyed the story of Noah and believed it to be historically true for most of my life. I still prefer a catastrophic form of geological history and therefore I don't put much credence into the concept of the earth being millions of years old. A massive worldwide flood is certainly capable of distorting the so-called geological record by quickly forming those things which are said to have taken long periods of time. In spite of this, I don't take the idea of mankind only being on planet earth for 6000 years all that seriously either. It's far more likely that the stories of Genesis originate from around 10000 BC when the last major ice age reportedly came to an end; and yes, there is some biblical evidence to support this idea. But even at that, it is possible that mankind has been around for at least 125,000 years provided that one takes the myths of Atlantis and Lemuria seriously; ie the destruction of Atlantis is the origin of the worldwide deluge myth.

Also, the story of Samson has always interested me on account of his long hair giving him great strength; then, of course, there is the long list of bad girls in scripture like Delilah who cut his hair, thereby making him weak and susceptible to others. The prophets have always been a source of fascination given their more apocalyptic writings, for it is always good to have scripture unveiled in such a way as to see the beauty of the indwelling God of Glory. Daniel certainly falls into this category.

As for this week's theme, I have chosen to go with Noah's ark and the tower of Babel. The prophetic books have their appeal, but the older beginnings of Genesis are of greater appeal to me right now. It is my desire to revisit some of these myths and legends in order to better understand how they are relevant to our modern world of humanism, globalism, socialism, and so forth. Equally as important is how the feast of Pentecost reverses the scattering of language or confusion; specifically, the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is pictured thusly in the Acts of the Apostles. So, this week's readings should be fun.

Storytelling for Week 3: Ego Gone Wild || January 31, 2009 at 10:30am

Since the Great Deluge, there has never been anyone as error-prone as myself. I go about erecting monuments unto myself that are made by the work of my hands and by the sweat of my brow. How I love these things which I have done and made. But alas, I am not satisfied with these things. So, I go a step further. Why not lead others into this great work of self-exaltation? I mean, there are multitudes of people all around me. Shouldn't they know the glory that comes from walking the twisted path? Indeed, that's it!

Behold my son. He is even more twisted and error-prone than I. Glory be to me, all error has come forth from me.

Behold again, the whole world now looks to me rather than Spirit; for in me, they think they are free and cunning.

Each said to one another, "Since the dawning of creation, never has there been one like the supreme Ego: a great persecutor of neighbor and animal, but an errant image in the sight of God."

Even so, I still want more. Who cares that I turn others away from Spirit, for worthy am I to receive their affections. I know, I shall be their god and I'll make a seat for myself between the ears of man that I may govern their hearts according to my own ability and desires. And so it was that a communication tower was erected between myself above and the people below. But not all was well in paradise. There was some dissension in the camp regarding the purpose and function of the tower itself.

In fact, there were three main divisions within the camp. One tribe wished to wage warfare in the heavens. Another tribe wished to erect it's own priesthood in the heavens. The last tribe wished to wage a propaganda campaign in the heavens.

As for me, I didn't really care so long as I got what I wanted.

So, I spent many years having this tower built. It got so large that it took a year just to take a simple idea up to the top.

In fact, so great was the desire to get the last remaining concepts up there that it no longer mattered if the great thinkers fell by the way side. I mean, a Charles Darwin could be replaced without any trouble, but where would I be without Darwinism?

So it has been that all great thinkers are replaceable, but how would I have ever gotten anywhere apart from standing upon these ideas and concepts which have been handed down from one generation unto another in the form of a great towering ladder of stepping stones? Even in the midst of birthing new ideas, it is extremely important that all work continue towards this great dream of mine; that I may be the God of my own domain and that none beside me shall there be. Behold the progress being made. Observe my propagandists and their great exploits. They hurl accusations at the heavenly hosts and great is the damage inflicted upon their reputations. Isn't it great that they can proclaim, "We have silenced the voices in Heaven."

Unbeknown to me, however, Spirit commissioned the seventy messengers encompassed around his Throne.

He said: "Let us go down and scatter their communication that they may no longer conspire effectively against us."

And so it was, no longer could any of my servants understand one another. When one asked for the glue which binds one idea to another, he would instead receive another idea. In rage, this idea would then be tossed back at him resulting in his untimely death. In this exact way, many perished in their confusion. Yet, the remaining fell by the wayside according to their wayward conduct. Those wishing to establish their own priesthood became fundamentalists. Those wishing to wage a propaganda war became politicians and celebrities. Finally, those wishing to wage war became teachers. As for the desolate tower, well...

Let's just say that I may in fact still be working towards my desire, but you wouldn't be any wiser of it.

Original story: Nimrod and the Tower of Babel



Confusion of Tongues, Public Domain, Gustave Dore; Web source: Wikipedia

Author's note: I have attempted to retell this story from the perspective of Nimrod on the assumption that he is a personification of Ego wherein all passion, affection, and energy is redirected away from Spirit and onto him who sits between our ears. My version of the story could probably use some further tweaking and refinement, but this should cast some light upon John's Apocalypse of Jesus Christ and the New Testament imagery of the Antichrist and/or false christs and prophets.

Essay for Week 3: Role Models & Patterns || January 31, 2009 at 5:30pm

Story 1: Noah and the Ark

In this story, we have two central realities contrasted in a vivid way. On the one hand, we have a wicked and evil world which has run amuck. Violence fills the street. Total anarchy rules supreme. Each day is as before, as nothing ever seems to change. It even gets so bad that the Lord is pictured as repenting for having made mankind, for his heart is continually wicked before him. But as the Lord looks across the face of the Earth, his attention is drawn to a single solitary man who is found to be blameless and complete in all his generations.

As such, Noah is tasked with the unthinkable. God is about to scratch the hard drive clean as it were and start over with him being the genetic coding or computer backup software by which all creation is to be restored. Righteous Noah is therefore commissioned with the task of building an ark or container which can withstand a great deluge that is to come. He must also bring aboard a small remnant of all creatures: 7 of the clean and 2 of the unclean, both male and female. Why the extra ones?

Well, it is to perform liturgical or ritual sacrifice offerings once they disembark, of course.

And so it was, Noah and 7 additional members of his immediate family entered into the ark for a total of eight. Why eight?

Well, it is to point to the 8th day of the week which immediately follows the Sabbath, of course.

Great torrential rains pour down upon the earth for 40 days and 40 nights as the whole world experiences a baptismal cleansing and purification. But why 40? Glad you asked. This is a symbolic, prophetic, and mystical number that is employed throughout scripture for liturgical purposes; just as 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 30, 40, 49, 72, 120, 144, & 1000 are.

Anyhow, the rains subside. The flood waters retreat and the Lord puts a bow of 7 colors up in the clouds to signify a covenant between himself and mankind; good thing Noah brought aboard the extra clean animals. Never again will he destroy the earth through water, for all have now been baptized through this cleansing.

"But wait a minute," I hear someone interject. "I wasn't there, how can you say that all was baptized then?"

Well, glad you asked. Do you remember that there was only one righteous man who gathered together his immediate family and all creation with him aboard the Ark? You know what, it's not my place to explain this. It's much better for your to discover it for yourself. Here's a hint: Scripture is written for liturgy and the entirety of our lives are liturgical in nature.

Story 2: Nimrod and the Tower of Babel

In my version of this story, I portray Nimrod as the personification of Ego. I also cast light upon the different ways in which it enslaves us to error and leads us down paths or ways of life that have been twisted from their original purposes; or at least that was what I was trying to point out. It's fairly obvious how and why the personal ego can be a really bad and destructive thing.

As devil's advocate, however, I would be remiss if I didn't offer a few words in its defense.

Without ego, none of us would have any history or experiences to share with one another. We wouldn't know pain and therefore we wouldn't know joy. We wouldn't know anything about the past, so the future would have no meaning. We wouldn't know hatred, so love could not exist. We wouldn't fear death, but neither would we enjoy life. No matter how you evaluate things, the ego serves a legitimate function in our lives. If nothing else, it serves as a great Adversary that continually puts trials and tribulations before us. Each time we overcome them, we learn and grow as a genuine soul housed within a body.

Consider this, part of growing up and maturing requires us to take off the training wheels from the bicycle and go into the deeper end of the swimming pool. The point here is simply that the free will to obey is only as genuine as it is to disobey. Sometimes it is good to go out into the far country, sow some wild oats, and waste away our inheritance on riotous living. Why?

Well, in so doing, we can better come to our senses and return as the prodigal son who now experientially knows the depths to which the Father's love will reach out to us. The rebellion is not the point, but rather the glorious homecoming that a genuinely repentant prodigal receives. But such can not be known apart having the freedom to persist in error for as long as we desire to do so. A straight path is not nearly as appreciated until one has walked along the twisted byways of life.

Story 3: Noah and Satan

Since I am running low in remaining word count, let me briefly say that this story could be interpreted as a partnership between the inner spiritual or soulish man and the body which outwardly carries out the instructions in the physical world. Often, Satan is a personification of one's own body consciousness which has various earthly or bestial cravings; cravings which are frequently self-destructive when it comes to both one's inner spiritual life and that of the physical body itself. It is for this reason that Jesus affirms that some demons do not come out except by prayer and fasting. The main thing to understand is that Satan, the Adversary, is not quite the boogie man that people make him out to be. The beast must, nevertheless, be transformed into a lamb if one wishes to truly experience life to the fullest extent possible.



Orthodox Noah's Ark Icon, Copyright Unknown; Websource: St. Joseph School for Boys Bookstore

Famous Last Words for Week 3 || February 1, 2009 at 12:30pm

This week has went a bit differently for me than the previous one. Last week was more of a discovery process whereas this week has been more about rediscovery. I have after all already had a great deal of exposure to the biblical stories in the past. One thing which I particularly enjoyed about this week was being able to recast the story of Nimrod from his perspective; that is, in a more favorable light. The same is true with respect to my brief comments concerning Satan. I have not done so yet, but it is even my plan to take up the defense of Judas Iscariot in one of my upcoming stories for my story book. So, stay tuned for further details.

Growing up, I had a very fundamentalist mindset that perceived life, scripture, God, and reality from a very childish perspective. Satan was the big boogie man that constantly thwarted God's plan. God himself was a sort of Tyrant that I wanted to love and obey, but I just knew that he was surely waiting for me to slip up so that he could punish this wretched sinner for what he was. And with the onset of puberty, surely this all-holy God fell off his proverbial throne quite a few times as I struggled to reconcile my desire for pleasure with my appreciation for beauty. Need I say more? Don't worry, I won't. (lol)

Seriously though, the devil was out to get me. Demons hid under every rock and around every corner just constantly looking for an opportunity to either ensnare me into a life of deception, sin, fear, or unbelief. They even put weird fossils into the geological record to cast doubt into my mind regarding the inerrancy of God's word for crying out loud! Other times, I would be reading in scripture where Jesus says: "See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying I am the Christ, and will mislead many." and I would spend countless hours in anguish over it. Who exactly is he referring to? Am I to be concerned about some cult leader who says "I am the Christ" when speaking of himself or should I be concerned about a Church who says "I - Jesus - is the Christ" given that he was referring to those who would seek to deify him once he departed?

You see, my point in sharing this is to help illustrate the absurdity that comes from fundamentalism. I lived and experienced this reality for the better part of 20 years before finally discovering the literalism that had been the hallmark of patristic Christianity down through the centuries. The best way that I can explain this would be the following: A fundamentalist lives strictly within the confines of the text. He rejects everything outside of it and can only see the surface or historical level of it. A literalist, however, lives not only within the text itself but also outside of it. Nor does he have a problem probing deeper into the literal text to unearth deeper and deeper understanding of it's contents. Further, he will objectively remove himself from the text to reconsider how his life within the text is either growing or else gone stale or stagnant. Such a literalist can then look to outside or extra-biblical Scripture for the purpose of casting more light upon a text which has grown all-too-familiar to him. Maybe he will make an inquiry into the myths of surrounding civilizations and cultures to determine why a particular scripture is written or addressed in the manner that it is. Having gained such knowledge, the literalist can once again immerse himself within the text with a much greater understanding than what his fellow fundamentalist-minded brother or sister has.

Anyhow, I offer these "Famous Last Words" as a partial explanation for why I wrote this week's writings in the manner that I have. To be a bit cliche-sh, I have been to the top of the Mountain and I have beheld the Promised Land. Indeed, I have even gone into the land of flowing milk and honey only to now report back to my brothers and sisters that we should not fear the giants that are in the land. These obstacles that are before us can be conquered. We can take back the land of our forefathers from those who have set up doctrinal prison camps and established the strongholds of mind which have since taken us captive.

But to do so, we need to entrust ourselves to the leadership of Iesous as he leads us into battle, starting with the 6 liturgical days of walking in silence around the walls of Jericho, followed then by 6 liturgical trips around on the 7th day, and ultimately culminating with the 7th trip around as the great sounds of praise and rejoicing bring down the wall erected around our hearts.